Removing C-Clip on Balljoint?

[sassinm]

I've already checked these forums (search), and the vfaq, and can't seem to find any information about removing the c-clip on the balljoint.

I have a 93 TSi FWD that I'm attempting to do a driver's side cv shaft swap on. I have the 2 lower strut bolts removed, the center retaining nut on the shaft off (and washer behind it), caliper and rotor removed.

I can not get the shaft to break free from the hub/spindle assembly (as posted 10k times) from people like me in the saltbelt with a lot of miles on the shaft (up to 177k+ miles).

So, I was going to take off the balljoint and tierod and take it to be pressed out (I've read it takes 5-15 tons of force sometimes).

Can someone help me by telling me how to remove the c-clip that holds the balljoint in place? It looks like:

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I've tried wedging screwdrivers, pliers... bah, is there an easier way? Thing just won't come off!

Thanks in Advance,

Mark

 

[Staytuned]

Go to your local automotive store and buy a C clamp remover. You can buy one that is universal for the type of C clamp. That one is a squeeze in.... the other is a squeeze out.

 

[sassinm]

Go to your local automotive store and buy a C clamp remover. You can buy one that is universal for the type of C clamp. That one is a squeeze in.... the other is a squeeze out.

Cool. That's what I was looking for. Thx.

 

[Thunderskull]

A flathead screwdriver works just as good. You will need the c-clip pliers to get the new one on though. I have put on a c-clip of a ball joint with a screwdriver. It's doable, it's just not easy.

 

[sassinm]

I got the c-clip off (...and smiled in joy in its removal), but I haven't really gotten any further. The balljoint won't come free from the hub/spindle assembly.

How do I remove it?

I have numerous pickle forks... but I guess I'm just not going at this properly. Attached is a quick MS Paint representation of what I'm looking at.
How do I get this thing out? Someone suggested beating it with a hammer.. and I'm up for just about anything at this point as long as the sob comes free.

I usually don't have problems like this, but I'm a newbie to balljoints. Please help me out so I can get the cv shaft out (which is frozen in the hub/spindle assembly) and the car back on the road.

Thanks in Advance

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[x camaro owner]

tell you what you guys use your forks to try to seperate the spindle from the ball joint and be sure to brake them cuz i always brake air hammers with the forks doign that so waste your time and money and do that orrrr you could just get a nice heavy hammer and wack the spindle hard as hell by the ball joint on the side a few times and sprinkle some fairy dust a waaalaaa it comes right of. to get the cv out of the spindle beat the shit out of the end of the shaft with a hammer yes it will come out did my car with 144k on it they came out. be sure to put some muscle in to that hammer


when i refer to spindle i mean by what is labeled in the pic to not confuse other people

you will probably hurt your self taking that c clip off and what c clip you are talking about i have no idea other than the clip on the axles and i have done plenty of these axles and never messed with a clip a cotter pin yes c-clip no

but then again a very well seen trait here is if something is idiot proof you guys will make a better idiot

 

[sassinm]

Wow. Let me take a stab at this one...

1) Don't use the pickle fork. It damages the balljoint.
Ok. I'd have to agree with you on that one.

2) Whack the hub/spindle assembly with a BFH to loosen it from the balljoint. From your description, I would be whacking from the front fender towards the rear of the car, then switching to vice versa. Is that what you meant? That loosens it from the spindle?

3) The clip I have seems to be a mystery to some folks on here, including some DSM friends I have locally, but I do have a picture of it as proof. (It's on the PC back at another location) Anyhow, I did manage to get that off w/o hurting myself using screwdrivers and plyers...

4) Your comments about my lack of knowledge in balljoints isn't necessary, since I already posted that I don't have experience with them. Don't start a flame war when you can't even compose proper sentences. I'm looking to get this thing out.. period. I've done similar work on Jeeps, so I know how to get shafts out of hubs even when they're seized. This thing isn't going to separate, so keep on topic or don't post at all.

 

[Thunderskull]

A hammer is going to be your best bet. Anything else damages the ball joint boot. In the past, I've taken a pickle fork and wedged it in between the control arms with the shaft of the fork on the spindle and hit it the fork with a hammer. That usually pops it loose for me quicker then banging on the control arm or hub.